How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Bad)

If you’re wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, you’re in the right place!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How long bacon lasts in the fridge
• If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight
• And much more!

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How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge?

There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not it’s fresh. Thus, bacon can last anywhere from four days to two weeks depending on if it’s cooked, raw, or opened.

Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but it’s also perishable. That means that it doesn’t last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh.

For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading.

How Long Does Raw Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Generally speaking, unopened raw bacon will last in the fridge for about two weeks. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week.

Many factors determine how long raw bacon will last in the fridge, like how it’s packaged, how it’s been stored, and the temperature of your fridge. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge.

If you want your sliced bacon to last longer, you can put it in the freezer, and it will last for up to six months.

It’s important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it.

How to Store Bacon in the Fridge

It’s critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible.

Here are a few tips:

• Put it in the coldest part of your fridge: The temperature in the fridge door is warmer than the rest of the fridge, so bacon stored there will go bad more quickly.
• Wrap it up: If you’re not going to eat your bacon right away, make sure to wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Don’t let it touch: When you’re storing bacon in the fridge, try to keep it in a single layer so that air can circulate it. If it’s touching other meat or food, it could contaminate them and make them go bad sooner.

Related >> How to Make Homemade Bacon

How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh.

Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. While it is possible to make it last longer by freezing it, there are many ways to use leftover bacon, so we hope you aren’t planning to keep yours that long.

Can You Eat Cooked Bacon That Has Been Left Out Overnight?

It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight.

As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Cooked bacon is a perishable food and needs to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. If it’s left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning.

Even if you refrigerate your bacon promptly, it’s still only safe to eat for four to five days. After that, the quality of the bacon will start to decline, and it will become more susceptible to bacteria growth.

Since bacon is such a fatty food, it can go bad quickly.

So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, it’s best to throw it away. It’s not worth the risk of getting sick. No one wants to deal with food poisoning, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

This may be a hard pill to swallow if you’re looking at a plate of delicious bacon, but it’s not worth gambling with your health. Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight.

Read Also >> How to Reheat Pulled Pork

What Happens if You Eat Bad Bacon?

You can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad.

Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Symptoms of food poisoning include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Dehydration
• Abdominal cramps

Every year, 48 million people in the United States become ill from food contamination, with the majority of cases stemming from raw or rotten meat.

If you experience any of these symptoms after eating bacon, it’s best to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.

Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can cause serious illness or even death.

If you think the bacon you ate might be bad, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning.

Read Also >> How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge?

Can You Freeze Bacon?

You can freeze cooked or uncooked bacon as a way to extend its shelf life.

If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. It will help keep the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn.

You can also freeze raw bacon. Raw bacon will last for up to 12 to 18 months in the freezer.

If you’re worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later.

Just make sure to thaw and cook the bacon thoroughly before eating it. It will kill any harmful bacteria that may have grown while the bacon was frozen.

How To Tell if Bacon Is Bad

All meat, including bacon, can go bad if not stored or cooked properly. It is because meat is a breeding ground for bacteria. So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad?

The Bacon Has an “Off” Odor

Bacon that has gone bad will often have an odor. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. You’ll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. It’s best to discard any bacon that smells bad.

The Bacon Is Slimy or Spongy

Bacon that is in excellent condition is soft, fresh, and moist. If the bacon is slimy or spongy, it’s a sign of spoilage. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. It’s best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy.

The Bacon Has Changed Colors

If you’re not sure whether your bacon is still good to eat, it’s a good idea to check the color. Your bacon is still safe if it retains its natural pink color with white or yellow fat. If your bacon has turned brown or gray with a green or blue tinge, it has already spoiled. Excessive air exposure causes a chemical reaction on the meat, which results in color change.

Remember, if you have any doubts about whether or not your bacon is safe to eat, it’s best to throw it out. You don’t want to take any chances with your health.

Read Also >> How to Reheat Ribs

How to Prevent Bacon From Going Bad

Bacon is so delicious that you are likely looking to keep yours good for as long as possible. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly.

How to Store Bacon

Bacon, whether cooked or raw, is always best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. We prefer the Ziploc bag method because you are able to squeeze all the air out of the bag before placing it in the freezer.

We also recommend that if you plan to store your bacon in the fridge that you place layers of wax paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking to one another.

How Long is Bacon Safe to Eat After Opening?

Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. This happens because the bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria.

In general, bacon is safe to eat for one week after opening as long as you place it in a plastic bag or another airtight container.

How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?

Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! So next time you cook bacon, instead of tossing it out, place it in a jar and push it into the fridge.

Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Just be sure if you plan to freeze your bacon grease that, you store it in a non-glass, freezer-safe container.

Final Thoughts on Safely Storing Bacon

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner option that’s quick to make and easy on the budget, then bacon may be your answer.

This article has given some helpful tips about how long bacon lasts in the fridge, how to tell if bacon is bad, and how you can extend its shelf life by freezing it.

Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning.

So, how do you like your bacon — chewy or extra crispy? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

If you want to learn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources!